Michael Jackson's spokeswoman said Tuesday that the musician will make a "special announcement" in London this week, amid speculation the reclusive singer will announce his first live concerts in years.

Sky News and others have reported that the troubled King of Pop will perform a string of dates at the city's O2 Arena.

Jackson spokeswoman Celena Aponte said the reports were speculative. But she said Jackson would appear at a press conference at the arena on Thursday. It was not immediately clear whether he would attend in person or by video link.

Jackson's last live performance in Britain was at the 2006 World Music Awards. He was scheduled to perform "We Are the World" but only managed a few lines before leaving the stage.

The singer, who was acquitted of child molestation charges in California in 2005, was due to appear in a London court in November to contest a libel action for breach of contract brought by a Bahraini prince. The dispute was settled out of court at the last minute and Jackson did not appear.

The O2, formerly the Millennium Dome, is becoming a venue of choice for comeback performers. Britney Spears plays there eight nights in June, and Prince did a 21-day gig in 2007.